Poor Preston Gifted a Point

Last updated : 05 December 2020 By @pnemad

Alex Neil named only one change from the midweek victory at Bournemouth. Huntington came in for the injured Bauer who is out for the season.

North End started brightly and looked the better side in the first twenty minutes. They took the lead after an initial attack by Maguire and Barkhuizen was foiled.

As Wycombe looked to be in control an unexplicable header backwards to the keeper meant Barkhuizen could nip in to nod past the stranded keeper. It was fortunate but Barkhuizen took complete advantage.

Soon after the game changed. Pearson appeared to turn on his ankle with no one near him. He was taken off straight away and Wycombe seized control of the game.

Davies cleared an effort off the line and Rudd smoothered a Kashket attempt as he seemed to be clear through on goal. North End went into half time leading but the warning signs were there.

Shortly after the break McCleary was given acres of space in the box and fired home from an acute angle to deservedly level the scored for the visitors.

Wycombe should have taken the lead when Kashket was in space unmarked about ten yards out but he managed to miss an absolute sitter. The only real threat from Preston was a left footed shot from Sinclair which went over.

The visitors soon took the lead. They were awarded a soft free kick but the resulting set piece saw a shot rebound off the post. Kashket had the freedom of the box to side foot home past a stranded Rudd.

It seemed like the away side would hold on to victory but Neil gambled throwing on players late on. Sinclair raided down the right and crossed. McCarthur got in a muddle and ended up firing past his own keeper.

Riis then had two opportunities late on but couldn't convert and the game ended all square. Preston started and ended well but for 70 minutes they were distinctly average against a team that sits in the relegation zone.

It is the first home draw of the season but it does not disguise the fact that for large parts Preston were poor. Both goals were gifted to the home side and the continuing poor form at Deepdale is puzzling with questions growing from the fans.